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Alex Hutton – a Son’s Story

“Our whole family was blown away by the incredible care and compassion of the St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice team,” said Alex Hutton, whose dad, Chris Hutton, received support from the partnership between St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice and East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) until his death from lung cancer at the age of 65 in April 2021.

“Every member of staff was forthcoming and helpful. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, they made it possible for us to safely see Dad and talk to him through the ground-floor window of his room.

“They consistently looked for ways to ensure his care remained as normal as possible, despite COVID restrictions, always focusing on his physical and mental well-being.”

Since launching in April 2019, more than 5,000 patients and their families in Great Yarmouth and Waveney have been supported by the free specialist palliative care provided by the joint partnership of St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice and East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH).

Typically living with conditions such as cancer, heart failure, chronic lung diseases – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – and neurological disorders, these patients have received free care through the partnership’s varied, specialist palliative care provision available at Beccles Hospital, in the community and through the service’s 24-hour advice line, OneCall.

“Dad was a familiar face to many in the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston area through his work as a plumber. He always put others first, and everyone had a good word to say about him,” said Alex (pictured far left, with his dad centre in above photo).

“After receiving chemotherapy treatment at James Paget University Hospital, Dad was referred to the hospice’s care at Beccles Hospital.

“With the pandemic, it was a testing time and he had got to the point where he wasn’t getting better and it was recommended the hospice’s support would help manage his symptoms.

“Initially, Dad spent about a month at Beccles Hospital, where the hospice team closely monitored his condition and helped him reach a point where he could return home to be with Mum. The hospice’s occupational therapists were great in sourcing a specialist bed and other equipment to make this possible.

“Mum also made use of their 24/7 support phone line, OneCall, which provided us with great reassurance during such a challenging time.”

“Having that clear communication channel available 24/7 was invaluable. As Dad’s condition worsened, we had no hesitation in arranging for him to return to hospital. With the hospice team’s support, he was transferred back to James Paget Hospital, where he died on 9th April.

“We cannot fault the St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice staff. They were so bubbly and friendly – we just knew Dad was receiving the best care possible.

“The aftercare provided by the hospice was incredible for our whole family, especially for Mum, who received counselling support through the hospice’s LivingGrief service.

“This amazing support inspired me to run the Norwich Half Marathon in November 2024 to say ‘thank you’ to the charity for everything they had done for Dad and our family.

“I was so pleased to raise over £1,300 for the hospice and to help spread the word about their great services.

“When you first come under the care of St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice, it quickly becomes apparent that the whole team is there to help you as much as they can through the difficult scenario you are facing.

“They completely understood our individual situation and got to know Dad and our family as people, with their compassionate and personal approach.

“I hope that through my fundraising and continued support of the hospice, more people will learn about the incredible difference their services can make. St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice is such a vital local service, offering invaluable support to families like mine during the most challenging times of their lives.”

For more information about the partnership’s services in Great Yarmouth and Waveney visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help/hospice-care/great-yarmouth_and-waveney.

To contact the 24-hour specialist palliative care advice line, OneCall, call 0800 567 0111.